We specify professional packaging including hard cases or crates where appropriate, internal cushioning, and moisture barrier where humidity is a concern. Instruments are stowed away from heavy or shifting cargo and, where possible, in a controlled environment. For very high-value or sensitive instruments, we can arrange climate-controlled containers. We also recommend adequate cargo insurance for the full value of the shipment.

Some musical instruments contain materials listed under CITES, such as certain rosewoods, ebony, or historically ivory. If your instrument contains CITES-listed species, you will need the appropriate CITES permit for export and possibly for import. We advise on CITES requirements for your specific instrument and route and can coordinate permit application where needed.

Sea freight from German ports such as Hamburg or Bremerhaven to US East Coast ports typically takes 14 to 20 days port-to-port. Door-to-door transit including collection in Germany and US customs clearance and delivery adds approximately 5 to 10 days depending on final destination.